Draft and power control appliance



feb. 23, 1943.

c. A. GRAsswlcK DRAFT AND POWER CONTROL APPLIANCE Filed Dec. 4, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 23, 1943.

C. A.v GRASSWICK DRAFT AND POWER CONTROL APPLIANGE Filed Dec. 4, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 C14/al. A. Gems vv/c/f j @All fau/Q QNN Patented Feb. 23, 1943 UNITED spares 'l' OFFICE DRAFT AND POWER CONTROL APPLIANCES Carl A. Grasswck, St. Charles, Ill., assigner of one-half to Celest R. Spriet, St. Charles, Ill.

18 Claims.

The present invention relates to an improved draft apparatus for use with a draft vehicle and an appliance which is moved by the draft vehicle, the most common instance of which is the tractor-plow combination used in the tilling of soil, and similar combinations of tractor and other implements customarily used on motorized farms.

In combinations of this type, there has always existed the problem of preventing damage to the plow or other implement during the time when the implement strikes an immovable obstruction such as a stump, snag or boulder. The most usual type of apparatus for preventing such damage has been the use of a relatively soft sheer pin at some point of connection between the tractor and the implement, the idea being that when the implement strikes an obstruction, the pin will be shorn off and the implement thereby spared the excessive stresses which would otherwise occur.

Other draft limiting appliances have also been contrived with the idea of limiting the forces imposed upon the implement, but such devices have been cumbersome, not readily adaptable to existing machines, and frequently incapable of performing their intended functions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved draft and draft vehicle controlling appliance which is capable, not only of limiting the draft load capable of being transmitted by the appliance, but also capable of causing the stopping of thedraft vehicle upon encountering an obstruction;

It is also an object of the invention to provide a draft appliance, which is capable of being reestablished into the normal operating condition merely by backing the Vehicle. This is of especial advantage where an enclosed cab or high seat is used on the tractor, for the driver of the traction vehicle is thereby spared the necessity of dismounting from the vehicle for re-establishing the draft connections. In this regard, it may be stated that in the use of many prior devices, the Ire-establishing of the draft connection has been Very diflicult of accomplishment by a single operator since it has usually been necessary to back the vehicle to the implement and simultaneously raise or position the draft linkage for coupling. Where a single operator has sought to accomplish this, much time is consumed in backing and positioning the traction vehicle.

In the use of a tractor-implement combination, it frequently occurs that the tractor encounters soft ground and is incapable of moving the implement. This has occasioned much loss in time in backing the tractor and the implement to a position such that traction may be regained. In the present invention, a draft linkage is provided which is capable of operating to transmit draft power in two dilerent lengths of extension. When normally used, the draft appliance is not extended, butl should a condition of insufiicient traction be encountered, means is provided for extending thedraft linkage for an additional distance sufcient to permit the tractor to move ahead to rmer ground, and this is normally suiiicient to overcome the condition of bad traction. As soon as the implement is moved past the troublesome spot, the traction appliance is closed to its normal operating condition whereupon the normal operation ensues.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an improved draft linkage capable of such usage.

It is likewise an object of the invention to provide an especially rugged draft appliance capableof carrying its mammum permissible load without any substantial increase in length, but yet capable of very rapid action to permit extension of the draft linkage in the event an obstruction is reached, which causes the draft power to increase beyond the permissible maximum.

More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved draft linkage in which a detent is provided between the linkage parts and more particularly to provide a toggle type detent for such purpose.

These and other objects of the invention are those inherent in and implied by the invention herein illustrated, described and claimed.

This invention is illustrated with reference to the drawings in which Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the tractor-implement combination showing a fragment of the tractor, and the improved draft and draft vehicle controlling device in place between the tractor and the implement;

Figure 2 is a sectional View in elevation showing the internal structural parts of the draft appliance. In this View the device is in the load carrying condition but is not loaded sufficientlyv to release. (See Figure 4.)

Figure 3 is a plan View partly in section taken along the lines 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side elevational view partly in section showing the draft appliance just as it begins to release, this being the condition of the parts when the device is stressed to its maximum permissible loading, and the device is beginning to release.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view partly broken away showing the appliance in its partially extended condition, and with the vehicle control thereby moved to vehicle stopping condition by action of the appliance;

Figure 6 is a side elevational View partly in section showing the draft appliance fully extended. This view also shows the parts of the appliance in a condition such that the vehicle control is moved to vehicle stopping condition, this functional condition being maintained during movement of the parts from the position shown in Figure 5 to that shown in Figure 6;

Figure 7 is a side elevational View taken from the opposite side of the draft appliance and showing the parts operated by a manual control, thereby permitting the appliance to move to the extended position without at the same time operating the vehicle controls to vehicle stopping condition.

Throughout the drawings, corresponding numerals designate corresponding parts.

Referring to Figure l, IU generally designates a side view of the rear part of the traction vehicle having a frame I, an engine 2, rear drive wheels 3, steering wheel 4, drivers station 5, and a vehicle stopping foot pedal or lever 6, which is moved forwardly at its upper end to halt the vehicle. The tractor illustrated may be of any conventional type for either pushing or pulling an implement, generally designated 20. In Figure 1, the implement is represented by a gang type plow having carrying wheels 2 l frame 22, plows 23 and an elevating axle 24.

The traction vehicle lll and the implement per se do not form a part of the invention, and it is to be understood that any customary type of traction vehicle may be used and that likewise any implement such a5 plow, disc, harrow, combine, mower, grader, bulldozer or the like may be used, as desired, either behind or ahead of the traction vehicle, the only limitation being that the traction vehicle should be of the type having a vehicle stopping control lever 6, which may be either a foot pedal, clutch lever, of the spring controlled or over-center type or any other transmission control lever for disengaging the driving wheels of the traction vehicle from the engine thereof. Similarly, in lieu of the transmission or clutch control lever 5, the vehicle may have any other vehicle disabling lever or part movable to the vehicle stopping condition. t

The draft appliance may be used either for pushing or pulling .the load, by appropriate reversal of the parts.

Between the traction vehicle l0 and the implement 2Q, there is located the draft appliance, generally designated 33. of the present invention, which is attached to the rear traction frame 8 of the tractor by means of a bolt 9 and similarly attached to the implement frame 22 by means of the bolt 25.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the draft and vehicle controlling appliance comprises a pair of relatively movable members 3| and 32, the rst member 3| being attached to the draft frame 8 of the tractor and the member 32 being attached to the implement frame 22 by bolts or pins as aforementioned. The relatively movable members 3| and 32 of the draft appliance are preferably made in the form of telescoping tubes, but it is to be understood that channel members,

bars, rods and other shapes may be used, if desired.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the member 3| is a tube and is provided with a cast iron or steel cap 33, which is threaded to the tube at 34 and prevented from turning, and additionally clamped by means of a through bolt 35 at the lower side of the cap, The cap 33 is preferably split at the bottom so that as the bolt 35 is ltightened, the cap is clamped upon the threads 34 of the tube 3|. In addition, it is, in some instances, desirable to position bolt 35 so as to intersect a keyway in the tube 3| and when this is done the threads 34 may be eliminated since the bolt will serve as a stress transferring member between the cap 33 and the tube 3|.

The outer tubular member 32 is preferably rolled from sheet stock so as to leave an open slot 36 at the bottom thereof, the member 32 being fitted into the cast metal rear end box 39. At the end of the box 39, there are provided the spaced tongues 40, which form the hitch by means of which the draft appliance is attached to the implement 22.

About midway between the ends of the tubular member 32, there is provided a cross bracket 42 which has holes 43 for receiving brace rods o1' chains running to the implement, to the traction vehicle or both, as desired. The cross bracket 42, in addition, serves as a stiifening member for the slotted bottom of the tube 32, It is noted that brace 42 is bent in a downward curve adjacent the slot so as not to interfere with parts sliding along the slot.

At the forward end of the tube 32, the slot 35 in the bottom of the tube is bridged by a plate 41, which is welded to tube 32. The Plate has an opening therein which serves as a detent stop, as hereinafter described.

The inner tube 3| extends throughout the length of the tube 32 and into the box 39, and is cut down at 49 so as to leave a rear lower portion 50 extending toward the rear wall 52 of the box 39. This is exposed within the box as a half cylindrical shell. Adjacent the portion 49, there is a web welded into the tube 3|, this web being a seat for heavy spring 56. The spring 56 extends forwardly within tube 3|. The web 55 is apertured to receive a rod 51 on the end of which there is Welded a plate 58 which engages the forward end 59 of the spring 56, and the rod extends rearwardly through the aperture of web 55 and is threaded into a member 60. The member 69 is preferably of cast iron or cast steel and is shaped generally to conform to the inner cylindrical surface of the lower rear part 59 of the tube 3|.

The lower rear part 50 of the tube 3| is slotted as shown at 5| so as to permit a lug 6| on the member 69 to extend downwardly therethrough. The length of slot 5| is sufficient that lug 60 is free to move therein without interference, the limits of movement being imposed by web 55 and spring 56. Since the slot 35 is in the lower part of the tube 32 and extends throughout most of its length, the lug 60 is free to move as tube 3| moves. Lug 6|, of course, clears midbrace 42. As will be explained hereinafter, the lug 5| does not come into play until the draft appliance is extended to its outermost limit, the lug 6| serving to prevent movement beyond the position shown in Figure 6 in which position the lug 5| abuts against the rear portion 48 of the plate 41.

Rearwardly of the lug 5|, and constituting a part of the member 69, there is integrally formed a cross rod 64, which serves as one part; of the linkage transmitting the draft forces of the appliance.

Referring now t Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, it will be observed that the box 39 includes a toggle composed of a link, generally designated 10, which is pivoted to the box 39 upon cross shaft 1|, and a free end link, generally designated 80, which is pivoted to the link by means of the pivot pin 8|. The cross shaft 1|, journalled in the bosses 12 within the box 39, extends at one side of the box as shown in Figure 3 where it receives an operating lever 13 as illustrated in Figure 7. Within the box 39, the free end of link 80 is formed with a semi-,circular notch 82, which, in the position shown in Figure 2, engages with the cross rod 64 on member 60. As shown in Figure 3, the member 1U has parallel side frame parts 10a between which the cylindrical portion 80a of the toggle link 8D is positioned, and the free end of the toggle link 8B extending rearwardly and below the rear cross bar 10b of the member 10. By this construction, the toggle links 10 and 80 are made exceptionally strong, and they easily serve to transmit the draft forces of the appliance.

The toggle 10 likewise carries an intermediate shaft 14 upon which roller 15 is positioned. Beneath the roller 15, there is a cam plate 65, which is carried by a cross bar 66 on the portion 50 of tube 3|. When the toggle links 10 and 80 are in the position shown in Figure 2, they are slightly over-center with the center line of pivot shaft 8| being slightly below the line between the center 1| and cross rod 64. In this position, the cam plate 65 is slightly to the rear of the roller 15, the spacing being sg to 1% of an inch. An accurate adjustment of the cam plate 65 with respect to the roller 15 is permitted by virtue of the fact that the rod 51 is threaded into the forward wall 62 of the member 60, there being several spacing shims 63 between the web 55 and the member 62 as initial adjustment requires. It is noted that the rod 51 is slotted at its rear end to receive a screw driver which may be inserted through the rear hole 4| in the box 39, this being possible when the toggle links 10 and 80 are sufficiently elevated by hand.

The rod 51 is accordingly turned up so as definitely to fix the position of the member 60 with respect to the web 55, and since the latter is immovably attached to the tube 3|, it follows that the member 69 may be adjusted backwardly and forwardly with reference to the member 3| and everything mounted thereon. Since the cam plate 65 is carried by the cross bar 66 mounted on the rear portion 50 of tube 3|, it follows that by rotating the rod 51, or by taking out or adding shims at 53, the adjustment between the cam plate 65 and roller 15 may be varied at will. In this connection, it is noted that the rear cross frame member 10b of the toggle link 10 determines the lowermost position of the toggle link 1U with respect to the toggle link 80 and this accordingly positions roller 15.

Figures 2, 4, 5 and 6 are a sequential series of positions during extension. Figure 2 shows the normal, closed or unstressed positions; Figure 4 shows the maximum stress condition as the toggle breaks and extension begins; Figure 5 shows i the partially extended position, in which the clutch control (tractor stopping control) is completely operated, and Figure 6 shows the completely extended position with the clutch control maintained operated. The functioning of the CTI parts throughout these positions is explained in greater detail in the following paragraphs:

Figure 2.-Normal condition- As the traction vehicle I0 is moved forwardly, the force is transmitted through tube 3| to the web 55, and through spring 56 to plate 58 and rod 51, thence as a tension in rod 51, to the casting 60 and the force is thence transmitted backwardly through the casting 60 to the cross rod 64 and thence through the straightening toggle links 8|] and 10 to the Across rod 1| and the box 39, and through the latter to the spaced tongues 4|J by which the draft appliance is attached to the implement frame 22, Normally, this force does not compress spring 56 to the position of Figure 4 and the device therefore does not extend.

Figure 4,-Erctending begz'us.-As the draft force increases, the spring 56 is compressed thereby drawing the web away from the spacing shims 63 to the position shown in Figure 4.

When this occurs, the cam plate 65 which moves with tube 3|, advances under the roller 15 and lifts it, thereby raising the axis of toggle pivot pin 8| above a line between the center of shaft 1| and the cross bar 64 and the toggle is accordingly broken so that it is free to move to the position shown in Figure 5, thus permitting the cross bar 64, the member and all of the parts attached to tube 3| (including the tractor) to move forwardly. Thus when the implement encounters a snag or a boulder and the draft force reaches the predetermined maximum, the toggle links 10 and 80 are moved to the angular or breaking position and the hitch extends. The implement 26 is then no longer moved, the tractor IU being permitted to move forwardly freely. It is to be noted that, due to the fact vthat roller 15 is about half way Vbetween the shaft 1|l and the toggle pivot 8|, the movement of the toggle pivot 8| is approximately twice as much as the corresponding movement of roller 15 thus making the action of the detent very sensitive. However, this is not to imply that the toggle 10-80 will be moved due to each little obstruction since for practically the whole range of loadings of spring 56, up to the maximum loading illustrated in Figure 4, the cam plate 65 is not in contact with roller 15. As soon as contact is established (at a load of near maximum), very little additional compression of spring 56 iS needed to move the toggle pivot over center.

The detent serves to transmit its maximum force in its straightened condition shown in Figure 2, and while in this condition, the stressed distribution on the various parts is such that none of the parts are excessively stressed. Then due to very slightl movement upwardly of the toggle links 10 (including pivot pin 3|) the toggle is moved to a condition in which it is incapable of transmitting any force whatever. There is no condition of the parts in which there is an excessive stressed concentration.

It is also to be noted that when the parts have moved to the position shown in Figure 5 that the spring 56 has again brought the member 66 forwardly and hence the adjustment shims 63 are held tightly between the wall 62 and the web 55.

Figure 5.-Partially extended clutch or tractor control completely operated-At the forward end of tube 3| and within the tube there is a slider, generally designated 9D, which is mounted for free endwise movement within the interior of the tube 3|. The slider is preferably a cast-v ing' of generally cylindrical outer surface and has a lower skid 9| and side wall portions 92. Across the front portion, there is a connectingr web 93 which is apertured to receive a thimble 04, which slides through the web 93. The thimble 94 has attached thereto a exible metal cable 95. The cable runs forwardly and is attached by clevis 08 to a downward extension of a clutch or other control lever 6. It may be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the clutch or control lever 9, when moved forwardly at its upper end, in the customary manner of automotive and tractor clutches, serves to disengage the driving connection between the motor 2 and drive wheels 3 of the tractor, and accordingly, as the lower extension is drawn backwardly by means of the cable 95, the same effect occurs. If desired, the cable may be taken over a forward pulley and then to the upper portion of the clutch lever.

f' The slider 90 is likewise provided with a rear cross shaft 91 upon which there is mounted a downwardly and forwardly extending detent 99, the detent 99 being provided with a downwardly turned tip |00, which is beveled and abuts against a similarly shaped surface of the plate 41. When the detent |00 is in the position shown in Figures 2 and 4, the detent |00 prevents the slider 90 from movement with reference to the outer cylinder 32, and therefore, during the initial extending movement of the tube 3|, the beginning of which movement is shown in Figure 4, the detent |00 holds the slider imm-cvably. Accordingly, the cable 95, which is attached between thimble 94 on the slider 90 and the clutch lever 6, becomes stressed due to the forward movement of the tractor. Outside of the thimble 94, there is a spring 98, which merely serves to retract the parts to the condition shown in Figure 2, but this spring is much weaker than the springs used in the clutch of the traction vehicle, and is therefore immediately completely compressed. As the vehicle moves forwardly, the spring 98 is compressed.

The rear end of the thimble 94 is provided with a tailpiece |03, which is pivotally connected to a bell-crank detent |04, the latter being pivoted upon the cross shaft |05 on the slider 90. As the device extends beyond the position shown in Figure 4, cable 95 becomes taut and further forward movement of the tractor causes the thimble 94 to draw the bell crank detent |04 against the underside of a cam plate |01 mounted on the interior of the tube 3|. This condition continues until the tube 3| (and cam plate |01) nally reach a position as shown in Figure 5, in which position the forward edge |08 of the detent |04 snaps into position behind the rear edge |09 of the cam plate |01. When this occurs, the movement of the bell crank detent |04 is transmitted through the eye bolt I0 to the detent 99, thereby raising the same to the position shown in Figure 5. Should the force of the bell crank lever |04 be insufcient to move the detent 99 upwardly, as shown in Figure 5, this will nevertheless be accomplished by the leading edge of the slot H2, through which the tip |00 of the detent 99 operates. When detent |00 is moved to the nondetaining condition shown in Figure 5, the slider 90, freed from its connection with tube 32, thereafter moves with tube 3|. However, during the movement of the slider 00 relative to the tube 3| from the posit-ion shown in Figure 2 through the position shown in Figure 4 to the position shown in Figure 5, the slider 90 remains immovable with reference to tube 30. After the cable has been given five or six inches of relative rearward movement with reference to the tractor I0 (and cam |01 has moved to bring the face |09 in front of face |08), the clutch or other controlling or disabling lever E is by that time moved to the vehicle stopping position, and slider is locked to the cam face |09, the tension of the clutch spring all the while tending to move the slider forwardly. Catch |04 against cam face |01, however, prevents such movement.

Figure 6 Completely extended condition.- Although the vehicle is thus prepared to stop, it may nevertheless coast forwardly, and this is particularly true in modern rubber tired tractors. It should be remembered that in all positions of the extending movement beyond that shown in Figure 5, the restrained draft force of the implement has already been eliminated. Therefore, the tractor may coast ahead for a short distance varying from a few inches to a foot or more as may occur on a downhill pull. However, the forward coasting is in any event stopped when the lug 6| abuts against the rear portion 48 of the bottom plate on tube 32, all as shown in Figure 6, but even in this event, the stopping is cushioned by spring 55.

Figure 7.-Operator controlled etension-1n Figure 6, it will be noted that the slider 90 is shown in the condition in which it has already moved the lever 6 of the tractor control to the vehicle stopping position. In some instances, however, as where the tractor is unable to move due to insufficient traction, it is desirable to extend the draft appliance to the position shown in Figure 6 without, however, moving the clutch to stop the vehicle. The tractor is already stoppcd when in this position, but pushing control lever to |32, Figure '1, will give this action. In order to accomplish this function, the various parts of the apparatus are moved as shown in Figure 7 by means of a manual control lever |20. Lever |20 is pivoted at |2| to the lower part of the tube 32, and has a yoke |22, as shown in Figure 3, terminating in a tip |24, which bears against and raises the tip |00 of the detent 99. On the opposite end of the shaft |2|, there is attached a control lever carrying a pull rod |25. The rod |25 extends rearwardly through an aperture in toggle operating lever 13 on shaft 1|, and passes through an aperture in bracket |28 mounted upon the outer side surface of tube 32, as shown in Figures 3 and 7.

A spring |29 is interposed between the clevis |30 on rod |25, and the bracket |28, so as normally to move the control lever |20 in the direction of arrow |3| (i. e. toward the tractor) in which condition it is inoperative either to raise the tip |00 of detent 99 or to operate the toggle controlling lever 13. However, when the operator desires, he may move the operating lever |20 rearwardly as shown by arrow |32. When this occurs, the tip |24 of the yoke |22 bears against and lifts the tip of detent 99 thereby permitting the slider 90 to move with the tube 3|. At the same time, the backward movement of rod |25 causes the toggle control lever 13 to be moved in the direction of arrow |33 thereby elevating the toggle links 10 and S0 to the position shown in Figure 7, and the toggle is thereby incapable of transmitting force in compression. The tractor may then easily be driven forward, due to the fact that there is no draft load upon it, and the draft appliance is extended to the position shown in Figure 6, except for the fact that the slider 90 is in a position with respect to tube 3| corresponding to that of Figures 2 and S-that is to say, it has not been moved to the vehicle stopping position, and has thus not caused cable 95 to move the clutch 6 to stop the tractor.

When completely extended, the lug 6| abuts against the plate 48 and the tractor draft power is accordingly again transmitted through tube 3| to web 55 through spring 56 to plate 58 and thence through rod 5l to member 60, thence through lug 5| to the rear surface of plate 48, to the tube 32, and thence through spaced tongues 40 to the implement frame 22. The amount of forward movement permittedv by the outside telescope, or extending movement of tube 3| with respect to tube 32 is usually sucient to permit the tractor wheels to reach firmer ground thereby affording opportunity for moving the implement.

Reset to normal condition-Whenever the draft appliance has been moved to the extended position shown in Figure 6, either by encountering an obstruction or under the control of the operator, the tubes 3| and 32 may be re-telescoped to the condition shown in Figures 2 and 3 merely by backing the tractor toward the implement. When this occurs, the cross rod 64 moves backwardly and lifts the link 80 of the toggle through the breakin-g position and nally to the over-center force transmitting position shown in Figure 2. The toggle links are always biased to the straight position by spring |35 which bears against lever 73.

When the clutch or other control lever has been moved to vehicle stopping condition as occurs when the parts are shown in Figure 6, the clutch or other lever must be reengaged to velncle starting condition before the tractor may be backed toward the implement. This may be accomplished by the operator merely placing his foot upon the clutch lever thereby slackening the cable 95. When this occurs, spring 98 forces the thimble 94, and its tail piece |03 back- Wardly thereby moving the bell crank detent m4 away from the rear edge |69 of the cam plate |07. In this connection, it is noted that for smooth operation, it is desirable that the bevel on the rear edge |09 of the cam plate, and the corresponding bevel on the forward edge |08 of the bell crank lever |04 should be made at an angle A, which is slightly more than 90 with respect to a line running through the center of pivot |05. When constructed in this way, as the force of the clutch spring upon the cable 95 is eliminated, the comparatively smaller force of the spring 98 is easily capable of moving the detent |04 to the position shown in Figure 2. At the saine time, the eye bolt is likewise moved rearwardly of the apparatus and the spring ||3 applies a force upon the detent S9 thereby tending to force it to the detaining condition shown in Figure 2, even though this condition is not reached until slider 90, as a whole, has been restored to the position shown in Figures 2 and 3. This occurs as the clutch spring drags the cable 95 and slider 90 forwardly.

Many obvious variations Will be apparent to those skilled in the art and such are intended to be within the purview of the invention illus- Vtrated, described and claimed.

I claim as my invention:

1. An improved device for use with an automotive draft vehicle having a controller movable to vehicle stopping condition and an appliance moved by the draft vehicle, comprising first and second members relatively movable endwise, the first member being connected to the vehicle and the second to the appliance, so as to form a draft linkage therebetween, detent means to restrain relative endwise movement of said first and second members, and means operable when the members transmit a predetermined maximum draft load for moving said detent to a non-restraining position whereby the members are permitted to move endwise with respect to each other, means mounted for movement with respect to both members and connectible to the controller of the vehicle Ior controlling stopping thereof, and means for holding said means fixedly with respect to the second member during a lirst part or the endwise movement of the members whereby there is a relative movement of said means with respect to the Iirst member and the dlait vehicle so as to move the Vehicle controller to vehicle stopping condition and Ior then holding the means With respect to the first member with the controller so operated as the members are extending during coasting of the vehicle to a stop.

2. An improved device for use with an automotive drart vehicle having a controller movable to vehicle stopping condition which controller is normally spring biased to Vehicle operation condition, and an appliance moved by the draft vehicle, comprising nrst and second members relatively movable endwise, the Ill'st member being connected to the venlcleand the second to the appliance, so as to iorni a draft linkage therebetween, detent means to restiam relative endwise movement of said ni'st and second members, and means operable wiien the members transmit a predetermined maximum drait load ior moving said detent to'a non-restraining position whereby the members are permitted to move endwise with respect to each other, means mounted Ior movement with respect to both members and connectible to the spring biased controller or the vehicle for controllmg stopping thereof, and means ior holding said means lixedly with respect to the second member during a Ilrst part or the endwise movement of' the members whereby there is a relative movement of Said means with respect to the first member and the dralt vehicle, so as to move the velncle controller to vehicle stopping condition and Ior then holding the means from movement with respect to the first member with the controllel' so operated only while under tne inluence of the spring bias o1' the controller as the members are extended during coasting of the vehicle to a stop.

3. A device of the type set forth in claim 1 wherein the detent for restraining endwise movement o1' the members is a toggle composed of links pivoted together, said toggle when straight being connected to transmit Iorces in compression from one of the members to the otnerof the members, and wherein the means operable when the members transmit a predetermined load to move the detent to non-restraining position includes a load transmitting spring interposed between the members and means movable with the spring for biasing thev toggle links from their straightened position, whereby the toggle is incapable of transmitting forces in compression.

4. A device of the type set forth in claim 1 wherein the detent for restraining endwise movement of the members is a toggle composed of links pivoted together, said toggle when straight being connected to. transmit forces. in compres sion from one of the members to the other of the members, and wherein the means operable when the members transmit. a predeterminedload to move the detent to non-restraining posi-A tion includes a load transmitting spring interposed between the members and means movable with the spring pressing against one of the toggle links at a point removed from the connection between the links for moving the toggle links from their straightened position.,v whereby the toggle is incapable of transmitting forces in cempression.

5. A device of the type set forth. inclaim 1 wherein the members are cylinders which telescope.

6. A device of the type set forth in claim l wherein the first member is cylindrical and telescopes into the second member and the means mounted for movement with respect tobothmembers is a slider within the inner cylinder, said slider having a detent thereonV for engagement with the outer cylindricalV member and` another detent engageable with the inner cylindrical member.

7.. A device of the typeset forth inclaim 1 wherein thev means mounted for movement with respect to both members is a slider movable-endwise with respect; to the members, said sliderl carrying a detent normally engaged with thesecond member so as to hold the slider in' xed position relative thereto; the sliderv also being provided with a second detent engageable withV the first member,A said second detent being con*- nectedf to the controller of the tractionY vehicle so-as to be moved intodetaining condition withthe first member as the traction vehicle moves with respect to the second member:

8. A- device ofA the type set forth in claim4 1 wherein the means mounted for movement with respect to both members is a slider-movable end'- wise with respect tothe members; said slider4 carrying adetent normallyY engaged with thev second member so as to hold the slider inI fixedv position relative thereto; the slider also being provided withV aseconddetentengageable with the flrst member, said first and second detents' being connected to the-controller off the traction vehicle and the rst detent being positioned' to be engaged by the first member whereby the seconddetent is moved into detaining4 condition with the rst member andthe first detent is releasedfrom thee second memberas the tractionvehicleemoves with respect to-the second meme ber.

9. A device of the type set forth in claim 1I whereinthe means mounted for movement with respect to-bothfmembers is a slider movable endwise with respect to the members, said slider carryingA a detent normally engagedV with the second. member so as tohold the slider in fixedv position relative thereto; theA sliderV also being provided with a second detent engageable with thefflrst member, said second detent being connectedto the controller ofthe traction vehicle so as` to be moved toward detaining condition wheny the first. member and the traction vehicle move with. respect to the second member, said first detent beinginterconnectedto the second detent so as to be movable to non-detaining con. dition when the second detent has moved into detaining condition.

10. A device of the. type set forth in claim 1 whereinY the means mounted for movement with respect to both members is aA sliderrnovable end'- 2,31 Lege' move with respect tothe second member, said first detent being positioned so as to be movable to the non-detaining condition by engagement with a part of the first member wheny a fractional part of itsv endwise movement with respect to the l second. member is. completed.

11. A device of the type: described. in. claim 1, including. manual. means for simuita-neozisiy releasing the detent means and the means. for holding, whereby the members may be extended endwise without thereby causing movement of the controller to vehicle stopping condition.

12. A device of the type described in ciaim l. including. manual means: for simultaneousiy releasing the detent means andA the meansfor holding, whereby the members may be. extended endwise without thereby causing. movement of the controller to vehicle stopping. condition, and a positive. stop for limiting the endwise movement ofthe members.

13.. In the. combinationl includingA an automotive draft vehicle and an appliancemovedby the vehicle, an improved. draft linkage comprising a member attached to the. draft vehicle and another member slidable endwise with. reference to the first member. and. attached tothe ap pliance, detentl means on one of: said. members for restraining relative sliding movement. of the members,. said. detent comprising. toggle linksi pivoted together and. capableof moving from. a straightened. condition in. which. saidi links. act. a-s. a detent to restrainr said sliding. movementY to. a. bent condition@ in. which.Y said. sliding move.-

ment is permitted, and means responsive to a.v

variation` of draft. force. for bending. the: toggler links when the draft force reaches. a. predetermined. maximum, includingl a draft spring for. carrying. the. draft load, and a. part movable. therewith. under load, said parti being. movable. withi the,v spring. throughout a path which. is. free. of engagement with'. said toggleA links duringi a. portion. of theload. carrying movement and into engagement. with said. toggle. to move them` to. said bent non-load. carryingcondition. as the spring isv flexed whenv carrying; said. predeter# mined maximum.loady 14..'l3he combination set forth. in. claim. 13 further characterized in that said part movable with.` the draft-carrying springg. engages. oneA of. said togglelinksat a point between. thepivotal connection of. said; links. and the end of said. link whereby. relatively. slightmovement. of. said. part upon. the enga-ged; toggle` link.. causes relatively greater movementLofth'evtogglelink pivot.

to thebent. non-load. carrying: positioni.

15. The. combination, set; forth in. claim 13. further characterizedin thatonebf said toggle. linksis provided with aLroller: andthe. part/movable with. the draft carrying spring. comprises acam plate engageable withsaid roller for. moving the toggle links. to. nonflo'adY carrying, condition.

16. An improved device for use` in connecting a propelled; appliance and arr automotive vehicle having a springbiased:controller normally mov-- able under influence of said springltoa position effecting propulsion of the vehicle but capable of being movedagainst the action of said spring to a position in which propulsion of the vehicle is not effected, comprising a draft linkage having a first part connected to the Vehicle and a second part connected to the appliance, said linkage being extensible endwise when maximum permissible load is reached, a slider mounted on the linkage, a rst detent means releasably connecting the slider to the second part of the linkage for movement therewith, means connecting the slider and spring biased controller of the vehicle whereby the controller is moved against the action of its biasing spring when the slider is moved with the second part of the linkage, a second detent on said slider operable after the slider has moved to a predetermined position with reference to the first part of the draft linkage for releasing the rst detent whereby the slider is disconnected from the second part of the linkage, and for connecting the slider to the first part of the linkage, said second detent being movable to detaining condition by the force of said vehicle controller biasing spring and releasable when the vehicle controller is manually depressed whereby the slider is released from the rst part of the draft linkage and is allowed to move under inuence of the vehicle controller biasing spring as the vehicle controller moves to vehicle propelling position.

17. In the combination including an automotive draft vehicle having an operator station and an appliance adapted to be moved by the vehicle, an improved draft linkage comprising a member attached to the draft vehicle and another member attached to the appliance, said members being mounted for relative slidable movement endwise with respect to each other` from a contracted position to an extended position. a fixed stop means on said members for CTI limiting the relative sliding movement of said members at the extended position., manually controllable movable detent means for restraining movement or said members from said contracted position toward said extended position, and manually operable means conveniently located adjacent said operator station and connected to said manually controllable detent for moving said detent to a non-restraining position whereby the members may slide relative to each other in an extended direction from the contracted position until the movement is arrested by the xed stop at the extended position.

18. In the combination including an automotive draft vehicle and an appliance moved by the vehicle, an improved draft linkage comprising a member attached to the draft vehicle and another member attached to the appliance, said members being mounted for relative slidable movement endwise with respect to each other from a contracted position to an extended position, stop means on said members for limiting the relative sliding movement of said members at the extended position, movable detent means having restraining and non-restraining positions for restraining movement of said members from said contracted position, load responsive means for moving said detent to non-restraining position thereby to permit relative sliding movement of the members when the draft load reaches a predetermined amount, including a heavy spring for transmitting the draft load, a member movable with said spring, said member being positioned so as to engage the detent at a predetermined load for moving said detent to non-restraining position, and separate manually operable means for also moving said detent to non-restraining position. 

